Mardi Gras Indians

Mardi Gras Indians

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On Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras Indians come out of their respective neighborhoods and converge underneath the Claiborne overpass, the nexus of Mardi Gras for much of the black community. In a picture from 2013, Big Chief Victor Harris of Fi Yi Yi (also known as the Mandingo Warriors), walks down St. Bernard Avenue as the rain starts to fall. Two men stretched out plastic sheeting to protect his suit as the chief shouted one of his chants.

Mardi Gras Indians are known for brilliant costumes, traditional music and marching, although parade routes are kept secret for these African-American krewes. Tribes often gather in the same areas each year, spots like Bayou St. John at Orleans Avenue in Mid-City and Orleans and North Claiborne near Armstrong Park.

Beautiful boots!

Intricate costumes for the Mardi Gras Indian Children in New Orleans. (photo from flickr, courtesy of Heather Frechette) Springtime In My Town presented by The CW. #HartofDixie airs Tuesdays 8.7c. Visit www.cwtv.com/spring to enter. #PinToWin #contest #prizes #thecw

The black neighborhoods in New Orleans gradually developed their own style of celebrating Mardi Gras. Their krewes are named for imaginary Indian tribes according to the streets of their ward or gang. The Mardi Gras Indians named themselves after native Indians to pay them respect for their assistance in escaping the tyranny of slavery. It was often local Indians who accepted slaves into their society when they made a break for freedom. They have never forgotten this support.

Chef James. I literally walked in his footsteps on St. Joseph's Day 2013... shakin my tambourine. He asked me (in his slow drawl) if I'd ever seen anything like it in North Carolina to which I replied "Naw, beh-beh!" A phenomenal experience.

Mardi Gras Indians on Super Sunday 2010 by groovescapes, via Flickr

Mardi Gras Indian in New Orleans

Although there was a history of violence, many now choose to keep this celebration friendly. Each Big Chief will eventually stand back and, with a theatrical display of self-confidence, acknowledge the artistry and craftsmanship of the other's suit. Before the progression can continue, the two Big Chiefs will often comment privately to one another, "Looking good, baby, looking good!"